My god did this take a fucking long time to write. Sorry, for the long wait everyone. I've had a fuckton of shit to do this summer. Also I'm writing my friend something for his birthday that's in a month so. Yeah, now I have to work on that, and hopefully I get the next one to him before fucking New Year's. Okay, after this chapter goes public. I'll promptly start working on the next chapter. Oh ho! And just you wait, its going to be great.

Ch14: The Truth

As I touched the lush grass of the land, I looked to Lapras as he waited as the edge of the island. I fumbled in my bag a bit, "Lapras." I said, tossing the oran berry into his open and awaiting mouth. He munched on the fruit gladly as he smiled.

And in his fatherly voice, he said. "Good luck, and be careful you two. Strong pokemon live on this island."

"Thanks," Grovyle replied.

"We appreciate the warning." I said in a shout-like voice. "Grovyle, let's go!"

As we left, I couldn't help but notice Lapras' gaze. It was cast back the way we had came, instead of what lay before us. My mind wandered as we walked through the silent forest. The hair on the back of my neck stood up a good ways in. I had lost sight of myself. At least, that's what "They" always said. I'm not even sure who I was to begin with. I guess, I should focus.

My legs locked in place, and my breath stilled. The realization had just hit me... I had given away my only Oran Berry! Oh, this was just perfect! My mind fell silent, as my motion was now on auto-pilot. My eyes and mouth worked for me as I remained in my own world. I guess... I'm lonely. I haven't laughed once since I left the guild... Grovyle was a brash pokemon at best, he reminded me somewhat of a friend I once knew. Yet, he wasn't the cure for my ailment.

"Sinclair!" My body spasms a bit. The jerking force came as a great surprise to me. My heart pounded within my chest as my mind came back from the far reaches of its travels. I felt a tight embrace around my form. I looked up, only to find Grovyle with surreal, and flushed expression. He turned, and pushed me away with great haste as his expression quickly changed to shock and embarrassment.

I raised my eyebrow at this, and chalked it up to... him just being plain weird. I shook my head, and continued away from the precipice of the abyss below. I walked up the slope. My thoughts drifted away from my body as mind focused on different things. I clutched Alana's relic fragment within my paw. I had to remember why I'm doing this. I had to remember I'm protecting every one that I care about! My resolve shall not falter, and I will not lose now!

So leave that click in my head. And I will remember the words that you said: From one team leader to another. We both protect, and we both serve. Which do you put first? Left a clouded mind and a heavy heart, but I am sure that I see a new start.

I will fight! I will fight for my home! I will protect, I will make up for what I have done! Recompense for my putrid past. My stride turned to one of strength. My shoulders tensed, my back straightened as I walked up the hill. My eyes set upon the high tower floating within the sky. It was still quite a ways away, but we were closer nonetheless.

Something darted quickly from the still brush, just as I had reached the top of the hill. Its jaw barred and its white fangs glistened with the light. Its right appendage glowed bright purple as it charged towards me. My reaction was slow and sluggish as I was once again reclaimed my mind from the far reaches of its travels. My body was knocked back with great force, the pain traveled from my abdomen to my entire body. I grimaced. The Pokemon before me sneered, his arm thrust forward. I was caught between a tree, and its glowing appendage. "Impure..." It growled. "Lady Dialga commands us to keep all away from her home. She commands us to destroy all the impure who walk here."

It bit my flesh. "Now that we have found you, we'll never let you escape!"

"I don't plan on it." I spat back. Blistering cold wrapped its way around my hand. I thrust my arm forward, connecting with the underside of his jaw. It groaned in pain, eyes snapped open at an alarming rate. Anger glowed within the depths of it expression. He my head with a move I suspected was metal claw. My head thumped. My vision blurred as I dropped to my knees. The pain coursed through my head, and the ringing in my ears continued to know end. I felt my eyes droop down and close. Taking my consciousness away.

xxxxxx

The pounding in my head was like a beating drum. Thud thud thud thud! I could barely hear myself think! I couldn't help but feel like shit. On the other hand, it was jst the head ache speaking. I had been fucking around long enough! It is time to end this. I looked around me. A fire crackled from not to far off, and I lay against a tree. My head angled in such a way of not to cause distress. This must be Grovyle's doing, and I'm grateful for that. I can't help but feel that everyone would be glowering at me right about now. My parents... whoever they were. Lina Vincent, my best friend. And everyone else who ever looked up to me.

My thoughts crumbled as another blast of pain came through. Son of bitch! A simple back-hand is fucked up, but a Metal Claw back hand? That's just beyond fucked up! It wasn't so much the pain as it was the undulating throbs that wracked my brain for all it's worth. Oh well... the sooner this is gone, the sooner we can head out again. We've got to be close... I hope. I can't let this be all for not. All the things I've sacrificed will not go to waste!

"I see your awake." Grovyle said pushing away a bush.

"Yeah, thanks for getting me out of there." I say, trying to stand. The pulses became stronger as I tried. "How long was I out?"

"Two days, almost three."

"We need to get a move on," I take a step forward, but the dizziness consumes me as I go back to being perched up on a single knee.

"Woah–WOAH–just take it easy. A Metal Claw to the head ain't exactly enlightning." He was right. He breathed a deep sigh. "Anyway. I went looking for food... I wasn't able to get much, just about seven apples, and five Oran berries. I ate my share. And as for yours..." He tossed them over. This little action of his... it reminds me of the expedition. It was supposed to be my first real bonding experience with Vincent...but Lina and Hannah killed that dream. I sigh deeply. I look over the four apples and four Oran berries. I wholeheartedly eat the apples, and an Oran berry. I look around, keeping an eye out for my satchel. Vincent usually carries the satchel... Jesus, I can't fucking let go of the past now can I?

I suppose this wretched loneliness I feel without them, means they got beneath my skin at some point. Another sigh, came out as I finally had laid eyes upon the satchel. It was right beside me the entire time. Resting against the tree with me. Like the times with me and Alana... after our missions together, before Lina and Vincent. Somehow, I felt happier when I was alone with her. Though, I'm not sure if I could ever reciprocate her feelings–wait... reciprocate? What the fuck does that mean? Ugh... never mind. I absent-mindedly drop the Oran berries into the bag.

"Grovyle. Let's go." I say slipping my satchel over my shoulder, now standing and ready.

"Alright. I figured you would be." He scratched his head, then put out the fire. "I found what we are looking for while you was out, just follow me." And so I did.

A little while later, we come to a tunnel. It's strange. I guess the old man was right. I mean, everything here was like new! Well... except for Temporal Tower which was crumbling in the distance, but that's beside the point. The point is: the reliefs held within this cave were in pristine condition! They weren't faded or worn. Nothing! It was incredible, the archeologists would have a field day with this. If they could get past the feral Pokemon of course. Soon enough were out of the cave. And before us stood a giant pyramid. If you could even call it that. Well, it has steps so I guess that makes it a pyramid. But what the fuck do I know? I'm not an architect.

We walk up the pyramid–thing briskly, as I subconsciously clutch Alana's relic fragment. This was it! I'm ready now. We reached the top, and well, to be hones it was quite the view. But we weren't here for that. We were here to set things right! I'd follow you! To the ends of the earth like I'm your brother! I'd follow you! Deep in the forest (oh!) We'd get lost! I thought loudly in a singsong way. Were the fuck did that come from? I shook it off, and stared at the middle. A small chunk of the diagram in the middle was missing. I tightened my grip around the fragment. "I'm sorry, Alana. I know this was your dream, and I'm taking that from you. I'm sorry." I said as I went to place the fragment in its home. Suddenly, a black blur ebbs it's way up the steps. And it's fast. I jump back in surprise and grit my teeth, prepared to fight.

"We knew you'd be here sooner or later." A familiar voice called out. And then came an all too familiar laugh. It was the laugh of the Sableye. Shit! This was bad. With drawn claws, they led us down the other side to Dusknoir. Shit! I couldn't help but swear! We are so close then this jackass just had to fucking intervene!

"Dusknoir, what an unpleasant surprise." I murmured beneath a growl.

"I was just about to make that same quip, but sarcastic." He bellowed, followed by a sneer. "Whatever it doesn't matter anymore. Get them through the portal!" Sure enough, the rip in time shimmered behind him. Dusknoir stood with a looming stature as he commanded the Sableye. There's not anytime to wait! We have to jump into action now! Apparently Grovyle had the same plan as yours truly. Only he acted first. I turned around and he had already eliminated three. Fuck!

"Let's make this fast." He said lowly, glaring holes into Dusknoir, who's smirk only widened.

"Alright!" I say, whipping my arm back. "Let's do this!"

In an almost dramatic, and chauvinistic way Dusknoir raised his open hand. And more Sableye came jumping from the trees. We were outnumbered... 2 to 15. Not great odds. I felt some words raise my soul. As if they were a melody. "Yeah, well I've been accosted. The jury's been partial, but I won't surrender to prove to you I won't lie." Dusknoir raised his eyebrow. He seemed utterly confused. And so did I. I have no idea where these words keep coming from. They feel almost natural, as if my soul is speaking for me. But I couldn't help but wonder to whom I was speaking to. "Under the pressures of compromise..." After the words were whispered, I charged at the nearest Sableye. I dodged and ducked through a salvo of sharpened claws and energy attacks. Attempting to fight my way through to Dusknoir.

I have to take out a few Sableye while I'm at it. Grovyle can't handle them all on his own. I grabbed a Sableye by his arm, stopping his impending attack. I throw him back, striking others in his wake. They all still laughed cockily. I couldn't help but feel sorry for them. This impending beat down was going to hurt. "Alright!" I said, casting my fist into my own palm. "Ready to start?" This is the part where Vincent would say, "Ready to start!"

I whipped my arm back compiling an Aura Sphere together. "Ready to start!" I answered myself, though wish that I didn't have to. I made it bigger than usually about the size of a basketball. I let my left arm dangle a bit as I got into my stance. I looked up at the Sableye before me, and I charged. I got close, and at the last second I leapt into the air, leaving them confused. This would surely save me the time and effort. I quickly whipped around and fire it off. The impact left a slight impression on the ground, though the explosion had taken out five of them so... that's good for us.

Now, I had to focus on Dusknoir, and the other Sableye. This was going to be a tough fight. "Weheheheh!" My eyes widened. I got lost in thought at the wrong time. Shit! I could feel the sharp claws wrap their way around my arm. This is bad... The sting came first, but the overwhelming pain came soon enough. I screamed loud, and tried to clutch my bleeding arm. But another Sableye joined the party, and held onto the one limb I had free.

We landed, and the stretched my arms out wide. The Sableye on the right, held my arm at with his right, and his left claws were at my throat. As for the one on my left, vice versa. I couldn't help but feel that I was screwed. But I promised myself that I wouldn't let this end, until I saved everyone. I can do it! Now try, dammit! Try! I struggled. But their interlocking claws pressed into my neck. If they were to sever an artery it was over for me. Dusknoir floated over to us, his grin even wider that before and I could here Grovyle call my name just barely. Perhaps... It was all over now.

I couldn't help feeling bad now, I've been in tighter spots than this... and now I was just giving up. Dusknoir chuckled. "Well, this has been a fun chase. But a bit anticlimactic..." He trailed off, then quickly snapped his fingers. "Ah! How about this!" With his raised hand, a blue flame flickered to life. And then it flared up quickly, soon it was a blazing blue inferno that was shaped as an arrow. It was ready for me, but I wasn't ready for it. Dusknoir's grin was now wider than ever before.

xxxxxx

I chuckled low, then it became louder, and louder, and louder. My menacing laugh echoed through the air. This was it! I finally get to erase these little pests from existence! And I get to start with this one! "Yasaka..." the words escaped my...lips(?) rather quickly as I lowered my hand, still holding the arrow in place. "Matagama!" It left my sight quickly, and then came the explosion... It was glorious! I laughed. I laughed harder than I had ever laughed in my entire life! That one was dead. And now... For the next one! I shot my gaze over to Grovyle, who was still fighting off the other Sableye. There weren't many left now... No matter. No matter. He will be dead soon. I start to float over in his direction, but then a loud bang in front of me goes off and knocks me back.

"What?!" I shout. I turn back to look in HIS direction to find him still standing there! If I had teeth I would bar them. Why he just won't die, will he?! Patches of blue flames are still burning as he stands there, mocking me! I focus in on him. His eyes... there a glowing blue now... and they were red before. Whatever. I raise my hand to release a Nightshade, then he closes his eyes. Upon opening the right, blue flames engulfed my hand and arm. I shouted in pain I waved my arm rapidly trying to shake it off. Once I finally did. Both eyes were open again, the glow had dimmed somewhat but still... "Oh... I see..." I muttered.

"Yasaka Matagama, hm?" I heard him say. I narrowed my eye. In his outstretched, what looked like three solid yin-yang symbols came undone and they started to spin rapidly. "Well how about this? Yasaka Magatama!" My pupil shrank to the size of a pinprick, as I watched him fling it like a frizbee. I can't move! My body was frozen... Only Lady Dialga makes me feel this much terror, yet this little insect... intimidates me to no end? How can that be?! Wait... his demeanor is different. There was so much malice in his voice. Yet, it sounded so normal. H-how?

They split, and from the three points, a sphere formed. Deep blue, and glowing. I was encased inside. I slammed my fist against the wall, and it felt like I my arm was dipped in lava. I howled so loud. Yet, I don't think anyone could here me inside this... thing! In the midst of my own screaming I head the most beautiful sound, and saw the most beautiful thing. A crack. I slammed my fist into crack. It burned, but I didn't care! This was my chance. And I'm going to seize it! My arm escaped, and I could see only a little. He was on his left knee, with his left hand on his head, covering his eye. I saw the faintest tint of murray.

He was bleeding. Perfect! He's distracted! I let loose a blast of Nightshade, and shouted, "Die you worm!"

xxxxxx

The headaches were coming back. At the most inopportune time as well, I watched through dribbling blood as Dusknoir let an attack loose. I couldn't put more power into the attack. Not with the drum banging inside my head. I would just have to take it head on... Yeah, that's not my best plan. What other choice do I have? I can't move. The black lightning raced through the air. I watched in silence and agony. I'm not ready to give up! I opened my mouth to speak, and my dried tongue rendered my words to coughs. And I saw, an all but unfamiliar sight. A Shadow Ball made contact, with whatever was left of the dual moves I had used. What I saw next astounded me. The sky light up bright blue, and tower of flames swelled. Extending high in the sky like a beacon for all. It was beautiful.

A Shadow Ball... I know what that means. I swallowed the lump in my throat. As much as I wanted to see Vincent. I couldn't help but still be royally pissed at him for not trusting me. I suppose it wasn't his fault. Dusknoir had them all under hypnosis. It died down, and Dusknoir lay face down his body still harboring slight smoldering patches of fire. I stood, a sudden dizziness came over me, but I persevered. "Grovyle." No... It wasn't Vincent. That wasn't his voice. I turned, and out of all the Pokemon in my life... that one I had not expected. The Gengar named Gena.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Saving your ass." She replied in the most serious voice I have ever heard her use.

Grovyle came up and stared at her. She was our enemy before, it's only natural that he would be confused by her presence here. She looked at him, and smiled. Wow, this is the first time I have ever seen that bitch smile. "Come on, help me get him to the portal, partner." She said casually. Okay, now I was confused. "It's been a long time." He gave her a puzzled look, and I, glanced awkwardly between the two of them.

"It's me!" She shouts. "Sinclair?! Your partner!"

Okay... My brain has officially broke. Grovyle lazily pointed to me and said, "She's my partner." Wait? She?

"I'm a dude, man." I replied, trying to wrap my head around this... this... whatever the fuck this is.

"Seriously?" He asked. I nodded. "Okay, now I can no longer wank... at all..."

"I don't even want to fucking know." I murmured.

"Ugh... we don't have time for this!" Gena shouted. "Grovyle help me get Dusknoir and we are taking him through the portal." Grovyle complied. I guess he finally realized that the naggy, bossy, pain-in-the-ass-of-a Gengar, was indeed his true partner.

"Sinclare."

"What?" Gena and I asked. Grovyle face-palmed and pointed to me. I couldn't help but feel slightly disgusted at the thought of him... with his... Okay, I don't need that in my head.

"You're on your own from here on out. Good luck," He said raising his hand.

"Yeah, I'm not touching that..." I said backing away. He nodded, and blushed. I could only watch as they drug Dusknoir's unconcious body back through the portal. As for the Sableye... They were another story. I wandered back up to the top of the pyramid-thing and placed Alana's relic fragment back were it belonged. That's when the shaking started. I could here the sound of wood twisting as the pyramid tried to tear itself from the earth. I looked into the distance. And there, floating above everything, was Temporal Tower.

"Mach Punch!" The tower was lost from my sight. I listened to the rumble and roar of the twisting and snapping roots. I was flying away from my destination, no, I was flying away from the bridge to my destination. I landed sooner that I had expected. And there they were. I had actually forgotten about them. "Sir, I have removed him from the premises."

"Very good Trenor," I heard the Pawniard say. I stood and looked at him. I swear, I will end him! It was leaving... Slowly the bridge started to float towards Temporal Tower. I wouldn't make it in time. Even If I did, I can't jump that high! "Tis' a shame...seems as though we won't be fighting after all." I heard him chuckle. "Oh, well. Ta-ta!" I took a step forward.

"Oh and by the way." I stopped, listening to his voice once more. "That little show you put on... attracted the attention of the entire island!" No shit. I could here the rustling in the bushes. And there they stood. Garchomps, Manetric, Dragonite, and Magmortars. "Oh! It seems the calvary has arrived!" Soon I won't have to put up with that annoying voice any longer.

"Scream "Hallelujah!" If it's a thing that helps you breath." I wheezed. "Your iron roll has often had me on my knees..." I steeled myself. I'm so close, I'm not giving up now! I don't have time to fight them all, I have to make a break for it! I bolted, faster than I ever would have imagined. I don't know where this speed came from but I like it. I weaved my way through dodging attack after attack. I jumped on a limb, then jumped again. I applied so much force, I swear it snapped once I left. I sailed like a bullet up into the air. I was barely able to make to the last step. I clung on for dear life. I looked down upon the dangling roots below.

I swear... I saw some strange lumps on the one of the roots below. Whatever, I clamber up, and quickly ascended to the top. Them, I bared my teeth as I stared at the back of their heads. "Not expecting me? Now were you?" The casually turned, and looked at each other as if they weren't impressed.

"Well, to be perfectly honest I was not expecting your ingress, no. But I am impressed. Why don't you come work for me?"

I zoomed over with an Aura Sphere in hand. "Shove it." I muttered ready to strike. But!

"Thunder Punch!" Boomed the Hitmonchan, trying to take a jab at me. I quickly broke attack, and caught the sparking boxing glove. The Hitmonchan smiled at his success. It took him long enough to notice the fact that I wasn't writhing in pain. I smirked and fed the electricity back into body. Now, he screamed in agony. After about thirty seconds he finally dropped, and I left it at that.

"Scream "Hallelujah!" I can almost taste reprieve." I turned to the Pawniard, who was glowering at me. "Your iron roll has often had me on my knees." I heard the screech of a bird above me. I looked up to find Dawn, trying to dive bomb me with Brave Bird. Instead of sidestepping I did the next best thing. I used the left over electricity to shoot her out of the sky. Simple enough. Two down, and one to go.

"Never take your eyes off your opponent!" The Pawniard bellowed. "Guillotine!" I turned to find him charging me with readied blades. I slip under his attempt to attack me. I quickly grab his right arm, sling him around on his knees, and I place my left from on the his right leg. With my right hand I extend his arm out to it's fullest. He looks back at me, terrified. The Pawniard give a pleading look, and I, held an Aura Sphere in my left hand.

"Please... Mercy!" He begs.

"Your in my way." I say without remorse. I let go of both. Once the cloud of dirt settled, I wondered to myself if that was really me. But it felt so natural. I can't help, but feel that wasn't me, yet the natural response said otherwise. Oh well. A large jolt startled me away from my thinking. Temporal Tower was now before me. I my gaze wandered up and down the cylindrical building. I fished one of the three oran berries held within. "All right." I say, taking a bite. "I'm almost there."

AN: Whoever points out the most anime references I made gets a sneak peak at the next chapter. Also, please point out any mistakes I may have made. Such as grammar, spelling, continuity, etc. Don't forget to favorite, follow, and review! Goodnight, where ever the fuck you are! And I shall "see" you on the next final installment of Destination.

Chapter 15: The Wolf!